Joe Budden has reacted after reports emerged that the rapper-turned-podcast host is facing charges of lewdness for allegedly being naked outside his neighbor’s home.
On New Year’s Eve (December 31), the Edgewater Police Department in New Jersey announced in a press release that Budden had been charged earlier in December regarding the alleged incident.
According to police, he is alleged to have stood outside his neighbor’s apartment door “entirely unclothed” in the early hours of December 4 and “trying to input a code into the door keypad multiple times before going back into his own apartment across the hall.”
After the press release, Budden responded on X: “Yall are so dramatic lol.”
He also lightened the mood regarding the situation by posting a meme on his Instagram Story, depicting a man laughing while showing something on his phone to another person.
Joe Budden’s attorney Nima Ameri informed TMZ that his client is upset by the public disclosure of the charges and that he is taking independent legal steps against the neighbor.
Mr. Budden feels disheartened by Police Chief Martin’s announcement to the press. Mr. Budden has been waiting for weeks for his cross complaints to be handled, which encompass significantly more serious allegations, including potential felony charges against those who accused him,” said Ameri.
In our view, the Chief has overlooked those matters and instead focused on obtaining free publicity for himself. Chief Martin ought to gain attention by engaging in commendable policing rather than exacerbating allegations of disorderly conduct.
The lawyer additionally charged Edgewater Police Chief Donald A. Martin with racism: “The claims made against Mr. Budden are a minor offense, not even leading to an arrest. A charge that Mr. Budden anticipates winning in court based on evidence, rather than through media exposure. The Chief’s statements are irresponsible and, in our view, driven by racial bias.
“Our investigation has revealed no press releases regarding a disorderly conduct charge on the police website this year.” In our view, his decision to target Mr. Budden is driven by self-interest and influenced by Mr. Budden’s race and fame.
Budden himself seemed to allude to the incident in a recent episode, attributing it to his habit of sleepwalking.
“I just walked in my sleep to a place where I shouldn’t have sleptwalked,” he stated. “And you know how I rest: completely nude!” “Good naked sleepwalking, I’ve done it again [laughs].”
The press statement emphasizes that “these charges are simply allegations and that the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” A court hearing is scheduled for later this month.
